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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Warm Quinoa Salad with Edamame and Lemon-Tarragon Dressing

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...As part of my commitment to Meatless Mondays, I've been spending some time experimenting with meatless recipes that make dishes that are substantial enough to serve as entrees. My most recent foray led me to a series of recipes that utilize quinoa as a protein source. Contrary to popular opinion, quinoa is not a grain. It is actually the seed of a plant that is related to spinach. The seeds have a nutty, smoky flavor that is quite pleasing and they have the added advantage of being less filling that similar grains or pasta. Most quinoa is grown in the poor soil of the Andes region of South America. Despite that, it has been identified as one of the best sources of protein to be found in the vegetable kingdom. As a matter of fact, scientists have found that the quality of its protein is the equivalent of that found in dairy products. The ease with which it can be grown and its nutritional content make it a boon to the poor of the world, as well as you and me. I've found and tested two recipes that I think are outstanding and I want to share one of them with you today. I really loved this salad. Here, quinoa is paired with edamame, an immature or green soybean, to produce a delicious meal that packs a nutritional punch. The recipe was develop for Eating Well magazine, so that should come as no surprise. I do hope that those of you who are trying to reduce your dependence on animal protein you will try this salad. You won't regret it. Here's the recipe.

53 comments
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I learn so much from you! I am fortunate that my husband doesn't mind skipping meat and there are plenty of salad-type dishes that he will consider a "dinner;" I am always on the lookout for more. Thanks!

Except for the vegetable broth, I have every ingredient for this salad on hand--until now, they were without direction!! In fact, I'm going to take the edamame out of the freezer and put this on the table for our lunch. A very timely recipe for which I'm grateful on what promises to be a busy day.

I did not know that about Quinoa, I, like so many others, thought it was a grain. I will admit I have not cooked with it yet, more due to the picky eater in my house then anything else. This dish looks so good, I need to definitely get with the program and try it now!! Thanks for sharing!

I have never tried quinoa although I've seen a lot of recipes in the internet. I love your salad that combines cheese as well. Also tarragon gives great flavor to the dressing. I will keep this for future reference. Thanks!

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